Relationship Manager Visual Arts

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Further Information * Number of positions: 1 * British Council Pay Band: 7 * Employment Type: Indefinite Contract Local * Salary £32,381 Gross per annum * Location: London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff * Deadline to receive applications: 13th September 2026 7:00pm UK time Role Purpose: We are seeking a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to provide specialist expertise and leadership in support of the development, partnership building, and high-quality delivery of our Visual Arts programmes. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping programmes achieve strategic objectives, meet global and local requirements, and contribute to the British Council's cultural relations mission. The Visual Arts team works to foster meaningful international connections and encourage shared purpose among artists, curators, organisations, and practitioners in response to the social, cultural, and environmental challenges of our time. We support UK visual arts organisations and artists to build international networks and develop collaborative opportunities through exchange programmes, delegations, showcases, grants, and other sector development initiatives. Through partnerships with artists, curators, and arts organisations in the UK and around the world, we create programmes that deliver mutual benefit while sharing the strengths and diversity of the UK's contemporary visual arts sector internationally. Main Accountabilities: Sector Expertise * Maintain a strong understanding of trends, opportunities and developments across the UK and international visual arts sectors, using this knowledge to inform programme development and strategic decision-making. * Develop and maintain an active network of artists, curators, organisations, funders and sector leaders to support partnership development and programme delivery. * Provide specialist advice and guidance to colleagues across the British Council, ensuring programmes reflect sector best practice, artistic excellence and organisational priorities. * Identify emerging issues, opportunities and areas for innovation that strengthen the British Council's visual arts offer and cultural relations impact. Partnership and Stakeholder Management * Develop and manage strategic relationships with partners and stakeholders to support programme delivery, sector engagement and organisational objectives. * Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities that extend the reach, sustainability and impact of the Visual Arts portfolio. * Work effectively across internal and external networks to ensure joined-up planning and delivery within a complex matrix environment. * Represent the British Council confidently at sector events, meetings and public-facing engagements. Programme Development and Delivery * Lead or contribute to the development of exhibition partnerships, exchange initiatives and collaborative programmes, ensuring they are strategically relevant, financially viable and culturally impactful. * Oversee the delivery of approved programmes and exhibitions, ensuring effective planning, risk management, evaluation and stakeholder engagement. * Provide quality assurance and specialist advice to programmes delivered by colleagues, partners and external organisations. * Support the development and use of the British Council Collection to strengthen international engagement and showcase the breadth of UK contemporary visual arts practice. * Ensure programme information, learning and resources are accurately captured and shared through relevant systems and communication channels. Business Development and Income Generation * Contribute to fundraising, sponsorship and resource development activities to support programme growth and sustainability. * Identify opportunities for partnership investment, international touring, co-commissioning and income generation that align with British Council objectives and cultural relations outcomes. * Support the development of compelling programme proposals and partnership cases for support. Leadership and Collaboration * Plan and prioritise work effectively across multiple projects, balancing strategic and operational demands. * Lead project teams where required, including colleagues, contractors, consultants and partner organisations. * Share knowledge and expertise across teams, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation. * Champion equity, diversity and inclusion and actively contribute to anti-racist and inclusive organisational and programme practices. Financial and Resource Management * Manage project and programme budgets in line with British Council policies and procedures. * Monitor expenditure, forecasts and financial performance to ensure effective use of resources and delivery within agreed budgets. Role specific knowledge and experience: * Attention to detail – knowledge of projects and programmes across the Visual Arts work * Problem-solving – especially when dealing with logistical or system issues * Flexibility and adaptability – needed in an organisation that deals with changing contexts daily * Team collaboration – ability to work effectively across departments * Initiative and independence – able to manage own tasks and make decisions when needed * Commitment to EDI and inclusive practices – as embedded in the British Council's values Minimum/essential * Extensive knowledge of the contemporary UK visual arts sector, including artists, curators, institutions, funding structures and current sector debates, with the ability to exercise sound professional judgement across a range of practices and contexts. * A strong and active professional network across the UK visual arts sector, with evidence of developing productive partnerships and collaborative opportunities. * Substantial recent professional experience in the UK Visual Arts sector, including experience of exhibition making and working directly with artists and curators. * Experience of delivering programmes alongside partners in a variety of contexts. * Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders. * Demonstrable commitment to EDI and inclusive working practices. * Experience of managing small-medium project budgets and cost control. Desirable * Experience of working in an international context or with different cultures. * Experience managing programmes and projects delivered through external partners and suppliers or outsourcing. * Experience in initiating projects. * Experience in managing marketing and communication activity for projects * Experience in managing effective evaluation of projects. Language The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required” Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. Please note that all applications should be submitted in English only. It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment. A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org